Aérowatt and Solar Energy

Findings:

In present day France, there are approximately 3 billion m² of buildings, to which around 100 million m² of all manner of buildings (residential, tertiary, industrial, public, farm) are added each year, that makes a total of 20 million m² (2000 hectares) of roofs. These surfaces can be put to good use and contribute to our sustainable development.

Both when renovating or building new roofs, Aérowatt invests in making use of this "5th facade" to produce "fully built in" power stations. Overseas Departments and Corsica enjoy a considerable amount of sunlight and prices are adapted accordingly. For Aérowatt, these regions constitute a priority area for the installation of solar power stations. 

Site study

The first step when installing a photovoltaic station is to evaluate the solar energy potential. The technical feasibility of the power station then needs to be determined and the conditions to connect it to the existing power grid need to be studied.

In the case of a fully built-in station, a study of the orientation and slope of the roofs is essential.

In the case of ground installations, their environmental impact will govern how the project is realised. In order to limit the ecological impact of a project, it is absolutely essential that priority be given to areas where there is no conflict of use. 

Administrative Authorisations

Administrative procedures take six to twelve months:

Government Authorisations: The DRIRE (the French Regional Directorate for Industry, Research and the Environment), the DIDEME (the French Directorate for Energy Demand and Energy Markets), building permits or a declaration of building alterations in the case of renovations, an environmental impact study and landscape simulations for solar power stations

Authorisations to connect to the network (EDF): Purchase contract for a period of 20 years

Technical studies are conducted at the same time. 

Our Guarantees and Assurances

Our Guarantees for Quality Installations

• AEROWATT only works with recognised suppliers.
• The installation is compliant with French standards and only service providers who comply with international quality standards (QUALIPV) are used.
• Throughout the entire works phase a safety process is implemented.
• An accredited Inspection Agency is appointed to ensure the safety of goods and people.

Our Assurances

Installation Works Phase:

• Professional Third Party Liability: SMABTP
• Decennial Liability Insurance: SMABTP

Operating Phase

• Material damage (natural disaster, theft, vandalism, etc.)
• Operating Loss
• Tenant's Risks:

• Damage caused to the building by the generator
• Damage caused to the generator by the building

Funding

Guaranteed investments thanks to the backing of prestige shareholders

Power stations are funded by Aérowatt, by means of a long-term loan and thanks to Girardin's Law (tax exemption) in Overseas Departments.

Furthermore, owners have the opportunity to jointly invest in the company handling the construction and the running of the power station and thereby benefit from the project's economic spin-offs and any possible tax advantages. 

Operations and Maintenance

Acquired and integrated expertise in maintenance and operations

The power station is operated for the duration of the lease and for a minimum period of 20 years.

The station's production is monitored by remote management (communication with inverters), which sends real-time information on the condition of the station and sends alarms in the event of breakdown.

When Aérowatt ceases to operate the station, it can be assigned to the owner or ultimately it can be dismantled and recycled (more than 25 to 30 years).